Storable liquid suspension of hollow particles

ABSTRACT

Provided are compositions and methods of using a liquid suspension of hollow particles comprising a plurality of hollow particles, water, a suspending aid, and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a non-ionic surfactant, a latex, an oleaginous fluid, porous silica, and combinations thereof. The liquid suspension is homogenous. An example method includes statically storing the liquid suspension in a container for at least one week; wherein the liquid suspension maintains a difference in density from the top of the container to the bottom of the container of less than one pound per gallon while stored. The method further includes adding the liquid suspension to a treatment fluid; wherein the liquid suspension reduces the density of the treatment fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the use and production of storableliquid suspensions of hollow particles, and more particularly toproducing and storing liquid homogenous suspensions of hollow particlesand then introducing the liquid homogenous suspensions to a treatmentfluid after storage of the liquid homogenous suspensions.

BACKGROUND

Hollow particles may be used to lower the density of wellbore treatmentfluids such as drilling fluids, cement slurries, completion fluids, andthe like. Hollow particles may be used to reduce the density oftreatment fluids, typically without a substantial effect on other fluidproperties, for example, compressive strength of cement slurries afterset. Further, the use of hollow particles may preclude the need forwater extension or foaming of the treatment fluid. As such, hollowparticles are a useful component for producing lightweight treatmentfluids having desired densities.

In some instances the hollow particles may be dry blended with othertreatment fluid solids for storage and/or transport before hydration andintroduction of the treatment fluid in the wellbore. Dry blending thehollow particles with other treatment fluid solids may induce variousproblems when the treatment fluid is to be prepared and used. Forexample, the hollow particles are lightweight and may segregate from theheavier treatment fluid solids in the dry blend. If this happens, thedry blend will not be homogenous and may produce a treatment fluid oflesser quality. Moreover, dry blending of the hollow particles beforehydration may preclude broad control of treatment fluid density whilepumping as the hollow particles have already been added to the dry blendand cannot be removed. Further, the hollow particles may take longer towet compared to other treatment fluid solids and as such may limit thepump rate of the treatment fluid. Finally, hollow particles may besubject to pneumatic transfer loss. The hollow particles may be one ofthe more expensive components in the treatment fluid, and any loss maylead to increased operational costs.

In order to resolve the aforementioned issues with dry blending hollowparticles, liquid suspensions of hollow particles may be prepared. Theliquid suspension of hollow particles may be added to the treatmentfluid before the treatment fluid is used. However, it can be difficultto maintain a stable liquid suspension of hollow particles over time.Hollow particles may float to the top of a liquid suspension and ruinhomogeneity. Further, the hollow particles may pack together tightlyover time, squeezing the water out of the inter-particle space betweenthe hollow particles. The hollow particles may then form a hardenedcrust at the surface of the liquid suspension. The hardened crust maymake resuspension of the hollow particles difficult and time intensive.In larger containers such as those used for field storage, sufficientagitation for resuspension may be impossible without the use of heavyequipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative examples of the present disclosure are described in detailbelow with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a system for the preparation anddelivery of a treatment fluid to a wellbore in accordance with thedisclosed examples;

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic of a system of surface equipment thatmay be used in the placement of a treatment fluid in a wellbore inaccordance with the disclosed examples;

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic of a system used for the placement of atreatment fluid into a wellbore annulus in accordance with the disclosedexamples;

FIG. 3A illustrates a comparison photo of a specific formulation of aliquid suspension of hollow particles after aging 1 month in accordancewith the disclosed examples;

FIG. 3B illustrates a comparison photo of the specific formulationillustrated in FIG. 3A after aging 2 months in accordance with thedisclosed examples;

FIG. 4A illustrates a comparison photo of another specific formulationof a liquid suspension of hollow particles after aging 1 month inaccordance with the disclosed examples;

FIG. 4B illustrates a comparison photo of the specific formulationillustrated in FIG. 4A after aging 2 months in accordance with thedisclosed examples;

FIG. 5A illustrates a comparison photo of another specific formulationof a liquid suspension of hollow particles after aging 1 month inaccordance with the disclosed examples;

FIG. 5B illustrates a comparison photo of the specific formulationillustrated in FIG. 5A after aging 2 months in accordance with thedisclosed examples;

FIG. 6A illustrates a comparison photo of another specific formulationof a liquid suspension of hollow particles after aging 1 month inaccordance with the disclosed examples;

FIG. 6B illustrates a comparison photo of the specific formulationillustrated in FIG. 6A after aging 2 months in accordance with thedisclosed examples;

FIG. 7 is a graph of rheology test results of different formulations ofliquid suspensions of hollow particles in accordance with the disclosedexamples;

FIG. 8 is a graph of rheology test results of a formulation of a liquidsuspension of hollow particles in accordance with the disclosedexamples; and

FIG. 9 is a graph of rheology test results of another formulation of aliquid suspension of hollow particles in accordance with the disclosedexamples.

The illustrated figures are only exemplary and are not intended toassert or imply any limitation with regard to the environment,architecture, design, or process in which different examples may beimplemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to the use and production of storableliquid suspensions of hollow particles, and more particularly toproducing and storing liquid homogenous suspensions of hollow particlesand then introducing the liquid homogenous suspensions to a treatmentfluid after storage of the liquid homogenous suspensions.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the present specification and associated claims areto be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parametersset forth in the following specification and attached claims areapproximations that may vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by the examples of the present invention. At thevery least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of thedoctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claim, each numericalparameter should at least be construed in light of the number ofreported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques. It should be noted that when “about” is at the beginning ofa numerical list, “about” modifies each number of the numerical list.Further, in some numerical listings of ranges some lower limits listedmay be greater than some upper limits listed. One skilled in the artwill recognize that the selected subset will require the selection of anupper limit in excess of the selected lower limit.

Examples of the compositions and methods described herein comprise theproduction and use of a storable liquid suspension of hollow particles.The storable liquid suspension comprises an aqueous fluid, hollowparticles, a suspending aid, and a stabilizer. As used herein,“storable” and all variations thereof refers to the static storage ofthe liquid suspension in a homogenous state. As used herein, “static”means without agitation such as stirring or mixing of the liquidsuspension while stored in the container, but does not include movingthe container, for example, to transport it; or removing the liquidsuspension from the container, for example, by pouring or draining thecontainer. As used herein, “homogenous” refers to a suspension having arange of density from the top of the container to the bottom of thecontainer of less than one pound per gallon (hereafter “ppg”). In someexamples, the liquid suspension may be stored for four months or longer.When desired for use, the liquid suspension may be added to a treatmentfluid to adjust the density of the treatment fluid. The treatment fluidmay then be introduced into a wellbore to perform a wellbore operation.

Examples of the liquid suspensions described herein comprise hollowparticles. As used herein, the term “hollow particles” refers to hollow,rigid, substantially spherical particles having a specific gravity ofless than 1. As used herein, the term “substantially spherical” refersto a generally spherical shape that may include defects likeindentations, protrusions, holes, and the like. General examples ofhollow particles include, but are not limited to, hollow glass beads,hollow ceramic beads, and a combination thereof. Specific examples ofhollow particles may include, but are not limited to, glass spheres,glass microspheres, ceramic spheres, cenospheres, or combinationsthereof. The hollow particles may comprise materials including, but notlimited to, glass, soda lime, borosilicates, fly ash, ceramic, orcombinations thereof. With the benefit of this disclosure one ofordinary skill in the art will be able to select a hollow bead for agiven application.

In some examples, the hollow particles may have an average particle sizedistribution (D50) in the range of about 5 μm to about 110 μm. In someexamples, the hollow particles may have an average particle sizedistribution (D10) in the range of about 5 μm to about 20 μm. In someexamples, the hollow particles may have an average particle sizedistribution (D90) in the range of about 40 μm to about 75 μm. Theaverage particle size of the hollow particles may range from any lowerlimit to any upper limit and encompass any subset between the upper andlower limits. Some of the lower limits listed may be greater than someof the listed upper limits. One skilled in the art will recognize thatthe selected subset may require the selection of an upper limit inexcess of the selected lower limit. Therefore, it is to be understoodthat every range of values is encompassed within the broader range ofvalues. For example, the average particle size distribution (D50) of thehollow particles may be about 5 μm, about 10 μm, about 20 μm, about 30μm, about 40 μm, about 50 μm, about 60 μm, about 70 μm, about 80 μm,about 90 μm, about 100 μm, or about 110 μm. However, particle sizesoutside these defined ranges also may be suitable for particularapplications. Particle sizes may be measured using various methods,including using a laser light scattering particle size analyzer. Withthe benefit of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will beable to select a particle size for the hollow particles for a givenapplication.

In some examples, the concentration of the hollow particles in theliquid suspension may be in the range of about 25% to about 75% byvolume of the liquid suspension. The concentration of the hollowparticles may range from any lower limit to any upper limit andencompass any subset between the upper and lower limits. Some of thelower limits listed may be greater than some of the listed upper limits.One skilled in the art will recognize that the selected subset mayrequire the selection of an upper limit in excess of the selected lowerlimit. Therefore, it is to be understood that every range of values isencompassed within the broader range of values. For example, theconcentration of the hollow particles in the liquid suspension may beabout 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, or about 75% by volume of theliquid suspension. However, concentrations outside these defined rangesalso may be suitable for particular applications. With the benefit ofthis disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to selecta concentration of hollow particles for a given application.

The liquid suspension may comprise an aqueous fluid. The aqueous fluidmay generally be from any source including the subterranean formation.In various examples, the aqueous fluid may comprise fresh water,acidified water, salt water, seawater, brine, or an aqueous saltsolution. In some embodiments, the aqueous fluid may comprise amonovalent brine or a divalent brine. Suitable monovalent brinesinclude, but are not limited to, sodium chloride brines, sodium bromidebrines, potassium chloride brines, potassium bromide brines, and thelike. Suitable divalent brines include, but are not limited to,magnesium chloride brines, calcium chloride brines, and the like.

The liquid suspension may comprise a suspending aid. General examples ofsuspending aids include, but are not limited to, polymers and clays.Specific examples of polymers include, but are not limited to, diutangums, scleroglucan, guar gums, carragenans, xanthan gums, welan,celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses, and combinations thereof. Specificexamples of clays include bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite,vermiculite, illite, muscovite, biotite, kaolinite, cookeite,halloysite, flint clay, montmorillonite, hectorite, laponite andcombinations thereof. In a preferred specific example, the suspendingaid comprises diutan gum. With the benefit of this disclosure, one ofordinary skill in the art will be able to select a suspending aid for agiven application.

In some examples, the concentration of the suspending aid in the liquidsuspension may be in the range of about 0.1% to about 30% by volume ofthe liquid suspension. The concentration of the suspending aid may rangefrom any lower limit to any upper limit and encompass any subset betweenthe upper and lower limits. Some of the lower limits listed may begreater than some of the listed upper limits. One skilled in the artwill recognize that the selected subset may require the selection of anupper limit in excess of the selected lower limit. Therefore, it is tobe understood that every range of values is encompassed within thebroader range of values. For example, the concentration of thesuspending aid in the liquid suspension may be about 0.1%, about 0.5%,about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, or about30% by volume of the liquid suspension. However, concentrations outsidethese defined ranges also may be suitable for particular applications.With the benefit of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the artwill be able to select a concentration of the suspending aid for a givenapplication.

The liquid suspension may comprise a stabilizer. Generally, thestabilizers may be divided into two categories, non-ionic surfactantsand particle-packing stabilizers. Examples of non-ionic surfactantsinclude, but are not limited to, polyethylene oxide, polypropyleneoxide, polyethyleneglycol alkyl ethers, polypropylene alkyl ethers,glucoside alkyl ethers, polyethyleneglycol alkylphenyl ethers, glycerolalkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol/polypropyleneglycol block copolymers, the like, derivatives thereof, or mixturesthereof.

In some examples, the concentration of the non-ionic surfactant in theliquid suspension may be in the range of about 0.1% to about 30% byweight of the liquid suspension. The concentration of the non-ionicsurfactant may range from any lower limit to any upper limit andencompass any subset between the upper and lower limits. Some of thelower limits listed may be greater than some of the listed upper limits.One skilled in the art will recognize that the selected subset mayrequire the selection of an upper limit in excess of the selected lowerlimit. Therefore, it is to be understood that every range of values isencompassed within the broader range of values. For example, theconcentration of the non-ionic surfactant in the liquid suspension maybe about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%,about 20%, about 25%, or about 30% by weight of the liquid suspension.However, concentrations outside these defined ranges also may besuitable for particular applications. With the benefit of thisdisclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select aconcentration of the non-ionic surfactant for a given application.

Particle-packing stabilizers must be water-insoluble. Theparticle-packing stabilizers may be provided to the liquid suspension asa suspension of particles, an emulsion of particles, or as particulatematter to be dispersed in the liquid suspension. The average particlesize of the particles in the particle-packing stabilizer is in the rangeof about 100 nm to about 10 microns. The average particle size of theparticles in the particle-packing stabilizer may range from any lowerlimit to any upper limit and encompass any subset between the upper andlower limits. Some of the lower limits listed may be greater than someof the listed upper limits. One skilled in the art will recognize thatthe selected subset may require the selection of an upper limit inexcess of the selected lower limit. Therefore, it is to be understoodthat every range of values is encompassed within the broader range ofvalues. For example, the average particle size of the particles in theparticle-packing stabilizer may be about 100 nm, about 250 nm, about 500nm, about 750 nm, about 1 micron, about 2.5 microns, about 5 microns,about 7.5 microns, or about 10 microns. However, particle sizes outsidethese defined ranges also may be suitable for particular applications.Particle sizes may be measured by various methods including using alaser light scattering particle size analyzer. With the benefit of thisdisclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select aparticle size for the hollow particles for a given application.

Without limitation by theory, particle-packing stabilizers may be usedto separate the hollow bead particles and prevent or reduce the closepacking of hollow bead particles by insertion of the particle-packingstabilizer into the inter-particle spaces between the hollow beadparticles such that sufficient separation between the hollow beadparticles is maintained. Examples of particle-packing stabilizersinclude latex, oleaginous fluids, particulate porous silica, orcombinations thereof.

As discussed above, an example of a particle-packing stabilizer islatex. Latex is the stable dispersion of rubber microparticles in anaqueous medium and may be natural or synthetic. As will be understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art, the latex may comprise any of avariety of rubber materials available in latex form. For example,natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene) in most of its modified types canbe utilized. Synthetic polymers of various types can also be usedincluding styrene-butadiene rubber, cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, highstyrene resin, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubbers, neoprenerubber, nitrile rubber, cis-/trans-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, siliconerubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, crosslinked polyethylenerubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosiliconerubber, polyurethane rubber, polyacrylic rubber, polysulfide rubber,blends thereof, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof. The rubbermaterials may be commercially available in latex form, i.e., aqueousdispersions or emulsions which are utilized directly.

In some examples, the concentration of the latex in the liquidsuspension may be in the range of about 0.1% to about 75% by volume ofthe liquid suspension. The concentration of the latex may range from anylower limit to any upper limit and encompass any subset between theupper and lower limits. Some of the lower limits listed may be greaterthan some of the listed upper limits. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the selected subset may require the selection of an upperlimit in excess of the selected lower limit. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that every range of values is encompassed within the broaderrange of values. For example, the concentration of the latex in theliquid suspension may be about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 5%,about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, or about 30% by volume ofthe liquid suspension. However, concentrations outside these definedranges also may be suitable for particular applications. With thebenefit of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will beable to select a type and concentration of latex for a givenapplication.

As discussed above, an example of a particle-packing stabilizer is anoleaginous fluid. General examples of oleaginous fluids include, but arenot limited to, petroleum oils, natural oils, synthetically-derivedoils, or combinations thereof. More particularly, specific examples ofoleaginous fluids include, but are not limited to, diesel oil, keroseneoil, mineral oil, synthetic oil, such as polyolefins (e.g.,alpha-olefins and/or internal olefins), polydiorganosiloxanes, esters,diesters of carbonic acid, paraffins, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, the concentration of the oleaginous fluid in theliquid suspension may be in the range of about 0.1% to about 30% byvolume of the liquid suspension. The concentration of the oleaginousfluid may range from any lower limit to any upper limit and encompassany subset between the upper and lower limits. Some of the lower limitslisted may be greater than some of the listed upper limits. One skilledin the art will recognize that the selected subset may require theselection of an upper limit in excess of the selected lower limit.Therefore, it is to be understood that every range of values isencompassed within the broader range of values. For example, theconcentration of the oleaginous fluid in the liquid suspension may beabout 0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about20%, about 25%, or about 30% by volume of the liquid suspension.However, concentrations outside these defined ranges also may besuitable for particular applications. With the benefit of thisdisclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select atype and concentration of oleaginous fluid for a given application.

As discussed above, an example of a particle-packing stabilizer is aparticulate porous silica. Particulate porous silica may be obtainedcommercially or prepared by precipitation. For example, sulfuric acidand a sodium silicate solution may be added to water in a reactionvessel with high agitation. The mixture of acid, sodium silicate andwater must be mixed at a high rate to prevent the formation of low pHareas where gelation may occur. Since silica dissolves to form silicateat a pH value above about 9, smaller particles are continuouslydissolved during the precipitation process and therefore, uniformparticle sizes are obtained. As the silica precipitation progresses, thesmall particles aggregate through siloxane bridges to form threedimensional networks that resist the high capillary pressure thatdevelops during drying. After drying, the precipitated particulatesilica is porous and remains dry and free flowing after absorbingliquids.

In some examples, the concentration of the particulate porous silica inthe liquid suspension may be in the range of about 0.1% to about 30% byvolume of the liquid suspension. The concentration of the particulateporous silica may range from any lower limit to any upper limit andencompass any subset between the upper and lower limits. Some of thelower limits listed may be greater than some of the listed upper limits.One skilled in the art will recognize that the selected subset mayrequire the selection of an upper limit in excess of the selected lowerlimit. Therefore, it is to be understood that every range of values isencompassed within the broader range of values. For example, theconcentration of the particulate porous silica in the liquid suspensionmay be about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%,about 20%, about 25%, or about 30% by volume of the liquid suspension.However, concentrations outside these defined ranges also may besuitable for particular applications. With the benefit of thisdisclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to prepare orobtain particulate porous silica and also select a concentration ofparticulate porous silica for a given application.

In some optional examples, a defoaming agent may be added to the liquidsuspension. Where present, the defoaming agent should act to preventfoaming during mixing of the liquid supsension. Examples of thedefoaming agent include, but are not limited to, polyols, silicondefoamers, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide/propylene oxidecompounds, acetylenic diols, and any combination thereof.

In the optional examples comprising a defoaming agent, the concentrationof the defoaming agent in the liquid suspension may be in the range ofabout 0.1% to about 10% by volume of the liquid suspension. Theconcentration of the defoaming agent may range from any lower limit toany upper limit and encompass any subset between the upper and lowerlimits. Some of the lower limits listed may be greater than some of thelisted upper limits. One skilled in the art will recognize that theselected subset may require the selection of an upper limit in excess ofthe selected lower limit. Therefore, it is to be understood that everyrange of values is encompassed within the broader range of values. Forexample, the concentration of the defoaming agent in the liquidsuspension may be about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%,about 4%, about 5%, about 7%, or about 10% by volume of the liquidsuspension. However, concentrations outside these defined ranges alsomay be suitable for particular applications. With the benefit of thisdisclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select aconcentration of defoaming agent for a given application.

In some optional examples, a dispersant may be added to the liquidsuspension. Where present, the dispersant should act to assist incontrolling the rheology of the liquid suspension. Examples of thedispersant include, but are not limited to, naphthalene sulfonic acidcondensate with formaldehyde; acetone, formaldehyde, and sulfitecondensate; melamine sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde; or anycombination thereof.

In the optional examples comprising a dispersant, the concentration ofthe dispersant in the liquid suspension may be in the range of about0.1% to about 5% by volume of the liquid suspension. The concentrationof the dispersant may range from any lower limit to any upper limit andencompass any subset between the upper and lower limits. Some of thelower limits listed may be greater than some of the listed upper limits.One skilled in the art will recognize that the selected subset mayrequire the selection of an upper limit in excess of the selected lowerlimit. Therefore, it is to be understood that every range of values isencompassed within the broader range of values. For example, theconcentration of the dispersant in the liquid suspension may be about0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, or about 5% byvolume of the liquid suspension. However, concentrations outside thesedefined ranges also may be suitable for particular applications. Withthe benefit of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will beable to select a concentration of dispersant for a given application.

Generally, the examples of the liquid suspension should have a densitysuitable for a particular application. By way of example, the liquidsuspension may have a density of about 5 ppg to about 10 ppg. Thedensity of the liquid suspension may range from any lower limit to anyupper limit and encompass any subset between the upper and lower limits.Some of the lower limits listed may be greater than some of the listedupper limits. One skilled in the art will recognize that the selectedsubset may require the selection of an upper limit in excess of theselected lower limit. Therefore, it is to be understood that every rangeof values is encompassed within the broader range of values. Forexample, the density of the liquid suspension may be about 5 ppg, about6 ppg, about 7 ppg, about 8 ppg, or about 10 ppg. However,concentrations outside these defined ranges also may be suitable forparticular applications. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with thebenefit of this disclosure, will recognize the appropriate density for aparticular application.

As previously mentioned, the liquid suspension may be stored untildesired for use. In some examples, the liquid suspension is stored in astatic state and remains homogenous while stored. The storable liquidsuspension is characterized in that it may be statically stored in ahomogenous, flowable fluid state for a time of four months or longer atroom temperature. For example, the liquid suspension may be staticallystored in a homogenous, flowable fluid state for a period of time fromabout 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 2months, about 3 months, about 4 months, or longer. A fluid is consideredto be in a flowable fluid state where the fluid has a viscosity of lessthan 2000 cP.

When desired for use, the liquid suspension may be added to a treatmentfluid to adjust the density of the treatment fluid. The treatment fluidmay be introduced into a wellbore to perform a wellbore operation. Theliquid suspension may be added to a variety of treatment fluids used inwellbore operations. Examples of treatment fluids include, but are notlimited to, water-based drilling fluids, cement slurries, completionfluids, displacement fluids, conformance fluids, and the like. Theconcentration of the liquid suspension in the treatment fluid isdependent upon the amount of liquid suspension required to produce adesired change in density of the treatment fluid.

Referring now to FIG. 1, preparation of a treatment fluid comprising theliquid suspension of hollow particles in accordance with the examplesdisclosed herein will now be described. FIG. 1 illustrates a system 2for preparation of a treatment fluid comprising the liquid suspension ofhollow particles. The liquid suspension of hollow particles may be addedto a treatment fluid and mixed in mixing equipment 4. Mixing equipment 4may be any mixer sufficient for mixing the liquid suspension of hollowparticles with the treatment fluid or the components of the treatmentfluid in order to provide a treatment fluid with the desired density.Examples of mixing equipment 4 may include, but are not limited to, ajet mixer, re-circulating mixer, a batch mixer, and the like. In someexamples, mixing equipment 4 may be a jet mixer and may continuously mixthe treatment fluid as it is pumped to the wellbore. The liquidsuspension of hollow particles may be added to mixing equipment 4 firstor, alternatively, the treatment fluid may be added to mixing equipment4 first. In some examples, the treatment fluid may be formulated inmixing equipment 4 such that the components of the treatment fluid,including the liquid suspension of hollow particles, may be added to themixing equipment 4 in any order and mixed to provide the desiredtreatment fluid. A sufficient amount of the liquid suspension of hollowparticles should be added to mixing equipment 4 to provide a treatmentfluid with the desired density. In examples, the liquid suspension ofhollow particles may be added directly to mixing equipment 4 withoutagitation. The liquid suspension of hollow particles may be added tomixing equipment 4 by flowing the liquid suspension of hollow particlesout of its storage container. In alternative examples, the liquidsuspension may be agitated prior to flowing the liquid suspension intomixing equipment 4.

After the liquid suspension of hollow particles has been added to thetreatment fluid and mixed in mixing equipment 4 to provide a treatmentfluid with a desired density, the treatment fluid may be pumped to thewellbore via pumping equipment 6. In some examples, the mixing equipment4 and the pumping equipment 6 may be disposed on one or more cementtrucks as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Examples of pumping equipment 6 include, but are not limited to,floating piston pumps, positive displacement pumps, centrifugal pumps,peristaltic pumps, and diaphragm pumps.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an example technique for placing atreatment fluid comprising the liquid suspension of hollow particles isdescribed. Specifically, the placement of a cement composition of aspecific desired density is described. FIG. 2A illustrates surfaceequipment 10 that may be used in placement of a cement composition inaccordance with certain examples disclosed herein. It should be notedthat while FIG. 2A generally depicts a land-based operation, thoseskilled in the art will readily recognize that the principles describedherein are equally applicable to subsea operations that employ floatingor sea-based platforms and rigs without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. As illustrated by FIG. 2A, the surface equipment 10 mayinclude a cementing unit 12, which may include one or more cementtrucks. The cementing unit 12 may include mixing equipment 4 and pumpingequipment 6 as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.The cementing unit 12 may pump a cement composition 14 through feed pipe16 and to a cementing head 18, which conveys the cement composition 14downhole into a wellbore.

Turning now to FIG. 2B, the cement composition 14 may be placed into asubterranean formation 20 in accordance with certain examples. Asillustrated, a wellbore 22 may be drilled into the subterraneanformation 20. While wellbore 22 is shown extending vertically into thesubterranean formation 20, the principles described herein are alsoapplicable to wellbores that extend at an angle through the subterraneanformation 20, such as horizontal and slanted wellbores. As illustrated,the wellbore 22 comprises walls 24. A surface casing 26 has beeninserted into the wellbore 22. The surface casing 26 may be cemented tothe walls 24 of the wellbore 22 by cement sheath 28. In the illustratedembodiment, casing 30 is disposed in the wellbore 22. In some examples,one or more additional conduits (e.g., intermediate casing, productioncasing, liners, tubing, coiled tubing, jointed tubing, stick pipe, etc.)may also be disposed in the wellbore 22. As illustrated, there is awellbore annulus 32 formed between the casing 30 and the walls 24 of thewellbore 22 and/or the surface casing 26. One or more centralizers 34may be attached to the casing 30, for example, to centralize the casing30 in the wellbore 22 prior to and during the cementing operation.

With continued reference to FIG. 2B, the cement composition 14 may bepumped down the interior of the casing 30. The cement composition 14 maybe allowed to flow down the interior of the casing 30 through the casingshoe 42 at the bottom of the casing 30 and up around the casing 30 intothe wellbore annulus 32. The cement composition 14 may be allowed to setin the wellbore annulus 32, for example, to form a cement sheath thatsupports and positions the casing 30 in the wellbore 22. While notillustrated, other techniques may also be utilized for introduction ofthe cement composition 14. By way of example, reverse circulationtechniques may be used that include introducing the cement composition14 into the subterranean formation 20 by way of the wellbore annulus 32instead of through the casing 30.

As it is introduced, the cement composition 14 may displace other fluids36, such as drilling fluids and/or spacer fluids that may be present inthe interior of the casing 30 and/or the wellbore annulus 32. In someexamples, these displaced other fluids 36 may also be treatment fluidscomprising the disclosed liquid suspension of hollow particles. At leasta portion of the displaced other fluids 36 may exit the wellbore annulus32 via a flow line 38 and be deposited, for example, in one or moreretention pits 40 (e.g., a mud pit), as shown on FIG. 2A. Referringagain to FIG. 2B, a bottom plug 44 may be introduced into the wellbore22 ahead of the cement composition 14, for example, to separate thecement composition 14 from the other fluids 36 that may be inside thecasing 30 prior to cementing. After the bottom plug 44 reaches a landingcollar 46, a diaphragm, or other suitable device may rupture to allowthe cement composition 14 through the bottom plug 44. In FIG. 2B, thebottom plug 44 is illustrated as positioned on the landing collar 46. Inthe illustrated example, a top plug 48 may be introduced into thewellbore 22 behind the cement composition 14. The top plug 48 mayseparate the cement composition 14 from a displacement fluid 50 and alsopush the cement composition 14 through the bottom plug 44. Whenpositioned as desired, the cement composition 14 may then be allowed toset. In some examples, the displacement fluid 50 may comprise thedisclosed liquid suspension of hollow particles to provide thedisplacement fluid 50 with a desired density.

It is also to be recognized that the disclosed treatment fluids may alsodirectly or indirectly affect the various downhole equipment and toolsthat may come into contact with the treatment fluids during operation.Such equipment and tools may include, but are not limited to, wellborecasing, wellbore liner, completion string, insert strings, drill string,coiled tubing, slickline, wireline, drill pipe, drill collars, mudmotors, downhole motors and/or pumps, surface-mounted motors and/orpumps, centralizers, turbolizers, scratchers, floats (e.g., shoes,collars, valves, etc.), logging tools and related telemetry equipment,actuators (e.g., electromechanical devices, hydromechanical devices,etc.), sliding sleeves, production sleeves, plugs, screens, filters,flow control devices (e.g., inflow control devices, autonomous inflowcontrol devices, outflow control devices, etc.), couplings (e.g.,electro-hydraulic wet connect, dry connect, inductive coupler, etc.),control lines (e.g., electrical, fiber optic, hydraulic, etc.),surveillance lines, drill bits and reamers, sensors or distributedsensors, downhole heat exchangers, valves and corresponding actuationdevices, tool seals, packers, cement plugs, bridge plugs, and otherwellbore isolation devices, or components, and the like. Any of thesecomponents may be included in the systems generally described above anddepicted in FIGS. 1-2B.

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure can be better understood by reference to thefollowing examples which are offered by way of illustration. The presentdisclosure is not limited to the examples given herein.

Example 1

Five different formulations of liquid suspensions comprising hollowparticles were prepared. All five formulations comprised hollow glassbeads with a D50 particle size of 26 μm. Formulation 1 was a control andconsisted of only the glass beads and water. Formulation 2 consisted ofthe glass beads, water, and bentonite as a particle-packing stabilizer.Soda ash was used to exfoliate the bentonite. Formulation 3 was the sameas Formulation 2 except a poloxamer non-ionic surfactant was added as anadditional stabilizer. Additionally, a defoaming agent was added toFormulation 3. Formulations 4 and 5 used the same non-ionic surfactantstabilizer and defoaming agent as Formulation 3; however, Formulations 4and 5 used different concentrations of diutan gum as theparticle-packing stabilizer instead of bentonite.

Rheological parameters were derived by fitting the generalizedHerschel-Bulkley model (hereafter “GHB”) to test data obtained from aFANN® 35 viscometer with a FANN® yield stress adapter. FANN is aregistered trademark of Halliburton Energy Services of Houston, Tex. TheGHB model was applied to the down ramp of the rheogram, i.e. after thesamples had experienced a shear history. Gel time was determined as thetime it takes for the liquid suspensions of hollow particles to form asoft gel and stop flowing when the container was tilted. A visual checkwas performed in the lab by intermittently tilting the container tocheck the flow of the samples. The formula compositions and rheologicaldata are illustrated in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Volume compositions of Formulations 1-5 and corresponding geltimes and rheological data Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- lationlation lation lation lation Composition 1 2 3 4 5 Glass Beads 55.5 55.555.5 55.5 55.5 Non-Ionic — — 0.2 0.2 0.2 Surfactant Stabilizer Defoamer— — 0.75 0.75 0.75 Water 44.5 44.25 43.3 43.51 43.5 Soda Ash — 0.07 0.07— — Clay Suspending — 0.18 0.18 — — Aid Polymer — — — 0.04 0.05Suspending Aid Yield Point, 11.0 5.6 — 26.9 36 lbf/100 ft² Viscosity, cP145.8 154.6 — 560.2 960.5 Gel Time 70° F. 1 hrs.   6 hrs. 1 day 3 wks. 3wks. Gel Time 120° F. — 0.5 hrs. 1 hrs. 3 days 3 days

Example 2

Four new formulations of liquid suspensions comprising hollow particleswere prepared that all used the composition of Formulation 4 as a base,but additionally comprised latex.

The formula compositions and rheological data are illustrated in Table 2below.

TABLE 2 Volume compositions of Formulations 6-9 and corresponding geltimes and rheological data Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- lationlation lation lation lation Composition 4 6 7 8 9 Glass Beads 55.5 55.555.5 55.5 55.5 Non-Ionic 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Surfactant StabilizerDefoamer 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 Water 43.51 38.51 33.51 28.51 23.51Latex Stabilizer 0 5 10 15 20 Polymer 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04Suspending Aid Yield Point, 26.9 13.6 10.4 12.7 12.6 lbf/100 ft²Viscosity, cP 560.2 503.4 598.2 649.4 891.0 Gel Time 70° F. 3 wks. 1mos. 1.5 mos. 1.5 mos.  3 mos. Gel Time 120° F. 3 days 9 days 10 days 10days 19 days

FIG. 3A illustrates a comparison photo of Formulation 6 after aging 1month, and FIG. 3B illustrates a comparison photo of Formulation 6 afteraging 2 months. FIG. 4A illustrates a comparison photo of Formulation 7after aging 1 month, and FIG. 4B illustrates a comparison photo ofFormulation 7 after aging 2 months. FIG. 5A illustrates a comparisonphoto of Formulation 8 after aging 1 month, and FIG. 5B illustrates acomparison photo of Formulation 8 after aging 2 months. FIG. 6Aillustrates a comparison photo of Formulation 9 after aging 1 month, andFIG. 6B illustrates a comparison photo of Formulation 9 after aging 2months. As illustrated, Formulation 9 was still flowable at 3 months.FIG. 7 is a graph of the rheology test results of the different liquidsuspension compositions for Formulations 4 and 6-9.

Example 3

A new formulation was prepared that was similar to Formulation 6 butused half as much of the non-ionic stabilizer. This sample was testedover different periods of time using the methods described above as wellas a new method of rheological testing using a Marsh funnel. At 2.5weeks the sample was remixed and a friction reducer was added at aconcentration of 0.3% by volume.

The formula composition and rheological data is illustrated in Table 3below.

TABLE 3 Volume compositions of Formulation 10 and correspondingrheological data Formulation Composition 10 Glass Beads 55.5 Non-IonicSurfactant Stabilizer 0.1 Defoamer 0.75 Water 38.21 Latex Stabilizer 5Polymer Suspending Aid 0.04 Friction Reducer (added when 0.3 the samplewas aged 2.5 wks) 2.5 wks 2.5 wks. w/ (remixed Friction Reducer 5.5 9.5Age 0 12 days only) and remixed Wks. Wks. Fann 35 Yield 14.1 32.7 27.516.2 17.6 15.9 Viscometer Point, lbf/100 ft² Viscosity, 487.2 485.4637.3 469.4 486.2 525.5 cP Marsh Funnel 00:21:33 — 01:03:00 00:24:30 — —Funnel Time, hh:mm:ss Viscosity, 854.6 — 2531.9 973.9 — — cP

FIG. 8 is a graph of the rheology test results for Formulation 10 fordifferent time periods.

Example 4

A Formulation 11 was prepared which used a higher concentration ofnon-ionic surfactant and also comprised a friction reducer. TheFormulation 11 composition is illustrated in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Volume compositions of Formulation 11 Formulation Composition 11Glass Beads 55.5 Non-Ionic Surfactant 0.3 Stabilizer Defoamer 0.75 Water33.11 Latex Stabilizer 10 Polymer Suspending Aid 0.04 Friction Reducer0.3

FIG. 9 is a graph of the rheology test results for Formulation 11 fordifferent time periods.

Provided are compositions for a storable liquid suspension of hollowparticles in accordance with the description provided herein. An examplecomposition comprises a plurality of hollow particles, water, asuspending aid, and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of anon-ionic surfactant, a latex, an oleaginous fluid, porous silica, andcombinations thereof; wherein the liquid suspension is homogenous. Theplurality of hollow particles may be selected from the group consistingof glass spheres, glass microspheres, ceramic spheres, cenospheres, andcombinations thereof. The plurality of hollow particles may comprisematerials selected from the group consisting of glass, soda lime,borosilicates, fly ash, ceramic, and combinations thereof, The averageparticle size (D50) of the plurality of hollow particles may be in arange from about 5 μm to about 110 μm. The concentration of theplurality of hollow particles in the liquid suspension may range fromabout 25% to about 75% by volume of the liquid suspension. Thesuspending aid may be selected from the group consisting of diutan gums,scleroglucan, guar gums, carragenans, xanthan gums, welan, celluloses,hydroxyethyl celluloses, bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, vermiculite,illite, muscovite, biotite, kaolinite, cookeite, halloysite, flint clay,montmorillonite, hectorite, and combinations thereof. The stabilizer maycomprise the non-ionic surfactant and the non-ionic surfactant may beselected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polypropyleneoxide, polyethyleneglycol alkyl ethers, polypropylene alkyl ethers,glucoside alkyl ethers, polyethyleneglycol alkylphenyl ethers, glycerolalkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol/polypropyleneglycol block copolymers, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. Thestabilizer may comprise the latex and the latex may comprise a rubberselected from the group consisting of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber,styrene-butadiene rubber, cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, high styreneresin, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubbers, neoprene rubber,nitrile rubber, cis-/trans-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, silicone rubber,chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, crosslinked polyethylene rubber,epichlorohydrin rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone rubber,polyurethane rubber, polyacrylic rubber, polysulfide rubber, blendsthereof, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The stabilizermay comprise the oleaginous fluid and the oleaginous fluid may beselected from the group consisting of petroleum oils, natural oils,synthetically-derived oils, diesel oil, kerosene oil, mineral oil,synthetic oil, polyolefins, polydiorganosiloxanes, esters, diesters ofcarbonic acid, paraffins, and combinations thereof. The composition mayfurther comprise a defoaming agent, a dispersant, or a combinationthereof.

Provided are methods for treating a subterranean formation in accordancewith the description provided herein and as illustrated by FIGS. 1-2B.An example method comprises providing a liquid suspension of hollowparticles comprising: a plurality of hollow particles, water, asuspending aid, and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of anon-ionic surfactant, a latex, an oleaginous fluid, porous silica, andcombinations thereof. The method further comprises statically storingthe liquid suspension in a container for at least one week; wherein theliquid suspension maintains a difference in density from the top of thecontainer to the bottom of the container of less than one pound pergallon while stored. The method further comprises adding the liquidsuspension to a treatment fluid; wherein the liquid suspension reducesthe density of the treatment fluid; and introducing the treatment fluidinto a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The liquidsuspension may not be agitated prior to adding the liquid suspension tothe treatment fluid. The liquid suspension may be statically stored forat least one month. The treatment fluid may comprise a water-baseddrilling fluid, a cement slurry, a completion fluid, a displacementfluid, or a conformance fluid. The plurality of hollow particles may beselected from the group consisting of glass spheres, glass microspheres,ceramic spheres, cenospheres, and combinations thereof. The plurality ofhollow particles may comprise materials selected from the groupconsisting of glass, soda lime, borosilicates, fly ash, ceramic, andcombinations thereof, The average particle size (D50) of the pluralityof hollow particles may be in a range from about 5 μm to about 110 μm.The concentration of the plurality of hollow particles in the liquidsuspension may range from about 25% to about 75% by volume of the liquidsuspension. The suspending aid may be selected from the group consistingof diutan gums, scleroglucan, guar gums, carragenans, xanthan gums,welan, celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses, bentonite, attapulgite,sepiolite, vermiculite, illite, muscovite, biotite, kaolinite, cookeite,halloysite, flint clay, montmorillonite, hectorite, and combinationsthereof. The stabilizer may comprise the non-ionic surfactant and thenon-ionic surfactant may be selected from the group consisting ofpolyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyethyleneglycol alkylethers, polypropylene alkyl ethers, glucoside alkyl ethers,polyethyleneglycol alkylphenyl ethers, glycerol alkyl esters, sorbitanalkyl esters, polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol block copolymers,derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. The stabilizer may comprisethe latex and the latex may comprise a rubber selected from the groupconsisting of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber,cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, high styrene resin, butyl rubber,ethylene-propylene rubbers, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber,cis-/trans-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, silicone rubber, chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene rubber, crosslinked polyethylene rubber, epichlorohydrinrubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, polyurethane rubber,polyacrylic rubber, polysulfide rubber, blends thereof, derivativesthereof, and combinations thereof. The stabilizer may comprise theoleaginous fluid and the oleaginous fluid may be selected from the groupconsisting of petroleum oils, natural oils, synthetically-derived oils,diesel oil, kerosene oil, mineral oil, synthetic oil, polyolefins,polydiorganosiloxanes, esters, diesters of carbonic acid, paraffins, andcombinations thereof. The liquid suspension may further comprise adefoaming agent, a dispersant, or a combination thereof.

Provided are systems for treating a subterranean formation in accordancewith the description provided herein and as illustrated by FIGS. 1-2B.An example system comprises a liquid suspension of hollow particlescomprising: a plurality of hollow particles, water, a suspending aid,and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a non-ionicsurfactant, a latex, an oleaginous fluid, porous silica, andcombinations thereof wherein the liquid suspension is capable of beingstatically stored in a container for at least one week; wherein theliquid suspension maintains a difference in density from the top of thecontainer to the bottom of the container of less than one pound pergallon while stored. The system further comprises a container capable ofstoring the liquid suspension of hollow particles for at least one week.The system further comprises a treatment fluid. The system furthercomprises mixing equipment capable of mixing the treatment fluid and theliquid suspension of hollow particles. The system further comprisespumping equipment capable of pumping the treatment fluid into a wellborepenetrating a subterranean formation. The treatment fluid may comprise awater-based drilling fluid, a cement slurry, a completion fluid, adisplacement fluid, or a conformance fluid. The plurality of hollowparticles may be selected from the group consisting of glass spheres,glass microspheres, ceramic spheres, cenospheres, and combinationsthereof. The plurality of hollow particles may comprise materialsselected from the group consisting of glass, soda lime, borosilicates,fly ash, ceramic, and combinations thereof, The average particle size(D50) of the plurality of hollow particles may be in a range from about5 μm to about 110 μm. The concentration of the plurality of hollowparticles in the liquid suspension may range from about 25% to about 75%by volume of the liquid suspension. The suspending aid may be selectedfrom the group consisting of diutan gums, scleroglucan, guar gums,carragenans, xanthan gums, welan, celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses,bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, vermiculite, illite, muscovite,biotite, kaolinite, cookeite, halloysite, flint clay, montmorillonite,hectorite, and combinations thereof. The stabilizer may comprise thenon-ionic surfactant and the non-ionic surfactant may be selected fromthe group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide,polyethyleneglycol alkyl ethers, polypropylene alkyl ethers, glucosidealkyl ethers, polyethyleneglycol alkylphenyl ethers, glycerol alkylesters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycolblock copolymers, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. Thestabilizer may comprise the latex and the latex may comprise a rubberselected from the group consisting of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber,styrene-butadiene rubber, cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, high styreneresin, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubbers, neoprene rubber,nitrile rubber, cis-/trans-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, silicone rubber,chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, crosslinked polyethylene rubber,epichlorohydrin rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone rubber,polyurethane rubber, polyacrylic rubber, polysulfide rubber, blendsthereof, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The stabilizermay comprise the oleaginous fluid and the oleaginous fluid may beselected from the group consisting of petroleum oils, natural oils,synthetically-derived oils, diesel oil, kerosene oil, mineral oil,synthetic oil, polyolefins, polydiorganosiloxanes, esters, diesters ofcarbonic acid, paraffins, and combinations thereof. The liquidsuspension may further comprise a defoaming agent, a dispersant, or acombination thereof.

One or more illustrative examples incorporating the examples disclosedherein are presented. Not all features of a physical implementation aredescribed or shown in this application for the sake of clarity.Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attainthe ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those that are inherenttherein. The particular examples disclosed above are illustrative only,as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practicedin different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the arthaving the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitationsare intended to the details of construction or design herein shown otherthan as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that theparticular illustrative examples disclosed above may be altered,combined, or modified, and all such variations are considered within thescope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustrativelydisclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any elementthat is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional elementdisclosed herein.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been describedin detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutionsand alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for a storable liquid suspension ofhollow particles comprising: a plurality of hollow particles, water, asuspending aid, and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of anon-ionic surfactant, a latex, an oleaginous fluid, porous silica, andcombinations thereof wherein the liquid suspension is homogenous.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hollow particles areselected from the group consisting of glass spheres, glass microspheres,ceramic spheres, cenospheres, and combinations thereof.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hollow particlescomprise materials selected from the group consisting of glass, sodalime, borosilicates, fly ash, ceramic, and combinations thereof,
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the average particle size (D50) of theplurality of hollow particles is in a range from about 5 μm to about 110μm.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of theplurality of hollow particles in the liquid suspension ranges from about25% to about 75% by volume of the liquid suspension.
 6. The compositionof claim 1, wherein the suspending aid is selected from the groupconsisting of diutan gums, scleroglucan, guar gums, carragenans, xanthangums, welan, celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses, bentonite,attapulgite, sepiolite, vermiculite, illite, muscovite, biotite,kaolinite, cookeite, halloysite, flint clay, montmorillonite, hectorite,and combinations thereof.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein thestabilizer comprises the non-ionic surfactant and the non-ionicsurfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide,polypropylene oxide, polyethyleneglycol alkyl ethers, polypropylenealkyl ethers, glucoside alkyl ethers, polyethyleneglycol alkylphenylethers, glycerol alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyethyleneglycol/polypropylene glycol block copolymers, derivatives thereof, andmixtures thereof.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the stabilizercomprises the latex and the latex comprises a rubber selected from thegroup consisting of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, styrene-butadienerubber, cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, high styrene resin, butyl rubber,ethylene-propylene rubbers, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber,cis-/trans-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, silicone rubber, chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene rubber, crosslinked polyethylene rubber, epichlorohydrinrubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, polyurethane rubber,polyacrylic rubber, polysulfide rubber, blends thereof, derivativesthereof, and combinations thereof.
 9. The composition of claim 1,wherein the stabilizer comprises the oleaginous fluid and the oleaginousfluid is selected from the group consisting of petroleum oils, naturaloils, synthetically-derived oils, diesel oil, kerosene oil, mineral oil,synthetic oil, polyolefins, polydiorganosiloxanes, esters, diesters ofcarbonic acid, paraffins, and combinations thereof.
 10. The compositionof claim 1 further comprising a defoaming agent, a dispersant, or acombination thereof.
 11. A method of using a liquid suspension of hollowparticles: providing a liquid suspension of hollow particles comprising:a plurality of hollow particles, water, a suspending aid, and astabilizer selected from the group consisting of a non-ionic surfactant,a latex, an oleaginous fluid, porous silica, and combinations thereof;statically storing the liquid suspension in a container for at least oneweek; wherein the liquid suspension maintains a difference in densityfrom the top of the container to the bottom of the container of lessthan one pound per gallon while stored; adding the liquid suspension toa treatment fluid; wherein the liquid suspension reduces the density ofthe treatment fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into a wellborepenetrating a subterranean formation.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the liquid suspension is not agitated prior to adding the liquidsuspension to the treatment fluid.
 13. The method of claim 11, whereinthe liquid suspension is statically stored for at least one month. 14.The method of claim 11, wherein the treatment fluid comprises awater-based drilling fluid, a cement slurry, a completion fluid, adisplacement fluid, or a conformance fluid.
 15. The method of claim 11,wherein the plurality of hollow particles are selected from the groupconsisting of glass spheres, glass microspheres, ceramic spheres,cenospheres, and combinations thereof.
 16. The method of claim 11,wherein the suspending aid is selected from the group consisting ofdiutan gums, scleroglucan, guar gums, carragenans, xanthan gums, welan,celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses, bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite,vermiculite, illite, muscovite, biotite, kaolinite, cookeite,halloysite, flint clay, montmorillonite, hectorite, and combinationsthereof.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the stabilizer comprisesthe latex and the latex comprises a rubber selected from the groupconsisting of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber,cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, high styrene resin, butyl rubber,ethylene-propylene rubbers, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber,cis-/trans-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, silicone rubber, chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene rubber, crosslinked polyethylene rubber, epichlorohydrinrubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, polyurethane rubber,polyacrylic rubber, polysulfide rubber, blends thereof, derivativesthereof, and combinations thereof.
 18. A system for treating asubterranean formation comprising: a liquid suspension of hollowparticles comprising: a plurality of hollow particles, water, asuspending aid, and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of anon-ionic surfactant, a latex, an oleaginous fluid, porous silica, andcombinations thereof wherein the liquid suspension is capable of beingstatically stored in a container for at least one week; wherein theliquid suspension maintains a difference in density from the top of thecontainer to the bottom of the container of less than one pound pergallon while stored; a container capable of storing the liquidsuspension of hollow particles for at least one week; a treatment fluid;mixing equipment capable of mixing the treatment fluid and the liquidsuspension of hollow particles; pumping equipment capable of pumping thetreatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation.19. The system of claim 18, wherein the suspending aid is selected fromthe group consisting of diutan gums, scleroglucan, guar gums,carragenans, xanthan gums, welan, celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses,bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, vermiculite, illite, muscovite,biotite, kaolinite, cookeite, halloysite, flint clay, montmorillonite,hectorite, and combinations thereof.
 20. The system of claim 18, whereinthe stabilizer comprises the latex and the latex comprises a rubberselected from the group consisting of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber,styrene-butadiene rubber, cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, high styreneresin, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubbers, neoprene rubber,nitrile rubber, cis-/trans-1,4-polyisoprene rubber, silicone rubber,chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, crosslinked polyethylene rubber,epichlorohydrin rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone rubber,polyurethane rubber, polyacrylic rubber, polysulfide rubber, blendsthereof, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.